History of the Sword

The evolution of the blade parallels humankind’s development of metallurgic technology. About 5000 years ago the Minoans developed metal-working technology, using primarily copper, gold and silver. The addition of tin to copper yielded a bronze alloy which was strong enough to make blades of reliable use.

By 4000 years ago, raiders of the Mediterranean, presumably from Russia, had developed double-edged weapons that could be used for cutting as well as stabbing. Because of the new stresses placed on blades used in this fashion, gradual advances were made in the shapes of the blade and tang to prevent the swords from essentially falling of their hilts during combat.

By about 2600 years ago the Assyrians controlled much of the middle-east, and their empire was founded on the ability to make blades of iron. European tribes at this time were also developing long iron swords, probably based on the Assyrian technology. By 2500 years ago, iron was used almost exclusively for edged weapons. The iron long sword ultimately proved to be too much even for the Roman Empire, and changed little from that time until the Middle Ages.

During the Middle Ages, swords became heavier and more ornamental. Because of the added weight of the sword, the quillon, or hand guard, was developed. This essentially prevented the hand from slipping off the handle and onto the blade itself. Through the Middle Ages, the quillon became more elaborate, sometimes forming a basket to protect the entire hand and making the sword nearly impossible to drop.

In the early Middle Ages, swords were the weapons of knights and nobility, to be used both from horseback and on foot. By the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, military tactics dictated the formation of large armies. Swords began to be issued to foot soldiers of all ranks to be used as their primary weapons. At this time, the traditional role of the knight began to evolve into the horsed cavalry, and their swords were used almost exclusively from horseback. Broadswords began to evolve into the modern saber.

The saber continued to be a weapon of use in warfare until World War I. Since that period, the new technologies developed in the American Civil War have advanced considerably, and the sword is now used primarily for decorative and formal purposes rather than combat.

Somewhat less is knows about the evolution of edged weapons in Asia prior to the Renaissance era, but beautifully ornamental swords and daggers from Asian regions have been dated back to the 1300’s. These include the Indian talwar, bhuj and bagh nakh; the more modern Indian Khanda; the Indonesian kris and mandau; and of course the daisho, haikuchi, hamidashi, kwaiken and nagamaki of Japan. The most historic of the swords of Japan is the tachi, the first samurai sword.

Excalibur (1981)

...people say that it was cheezy looking (Yes, Excalibur the sword does get a tad flexible.....Summary: Awesome.. I have seen the movie Excalibur many times, and I believe it is an.....like ...

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Excalibur Sword w/Scabbard

Excalibur Sword w/Scabbard - (AAC-156) Deluxe Excalibur Sword, Scabbard. This legendary sword's hilt is heavily embossed with dragons. Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days. ...

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How Arthur Gat His Sword Excalibur

Kappes, Alfred (1850-1894) from Lanier, Sidney. The Boy's King Arthur. New York:Charles Scribner's Sons, 1880. Arthur reaches eagerly for the sword in the Lake of Avalon. Black and white.

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Excalibur the Sword at Mayan-Civilization.Net

...jewelry, and merlin the wizard pics. The Sword Excalibur: Made in Toledo, Spain of.....pictures of ancient roman empire. The Sword Excalibur: Made in Toledo, Spain of.....Excalibur the ...

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Buy King Arthur'S Excalibur Rapier on Sale

Home : Catalog : Swords (click on the image to zoom) King Arthur Excalibur Sword Camelot and King Arthur' s court are recalled with this sword, fashioned after the legendary Excalibur. ...

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Game Revolution

"If you're looking for an easy hack-n-slash to play in between servings of some better, more robust game, then Legion: The Legend of Excalibur might not be a bad rental. Otherwise, ...

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Pyle's "Excalibur the Sword"

...Howard Pyle .. Pyle, Howard (1853-1911), "Excalibur the Sword" from: The Story of King.....Excalibur the Sword" (1903) by..

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Excalibur

N. C. Wyeth. Arthur approaches the sword in the Lake of Avalon.

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Krewe of Excalibur

Features a club named after the sword of King Arthur and known for their parade costumes. Based in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and provides club history and photos.

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Spiral Historical Full Size Swords

... 00 Silver Excalibur (Reference #SWORD32) "Sword of kings since the darknesss of time" A silver-coloured version of our original Excalibur sword, this inexpensive piece evokes the same ...

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